UAB SPECIALTY PHARMACY SERVICES Home Safety Checklist
ENTRANCE ( Walkway , Sidewalk , Steps ) check for : n Areas clear and safe of any objects or clutter ; surfaces non-slip and all railings secure n Front door has functional peephole and secure deadbolt that a key can open from the inside n Equipment , hazardous products / chemicals stored securely and properly marked
INTERIOR ( Entry and Main Living Area ) check for : n Doorway / entryway wide enough to provide access , thresholds safe and level n Door locks and windows open and close easily n Location of stairs and if they are uniform in size and height . Colored or glow in the dark tape can provide visual markings to help distinguish between steps and increase visibility n Sturdy furniture with strong back and armrest support n Step stool sturdy with handle for support and non-skid surface
KITCHEN check for : n Appliances in working order , ON / OFF buttons operable and clearly marked n Electrical cords and appliances are a safe distance from the sink n Flammable items away from a heating source ( i . e . towels , curtains in a safe distance from appliances ) n Table and chairs sturdy to provide support while leaning , standing and sitting n Pot holders , oven mitts and hand held reaching tools available
BEDROOM check for : n Telephone , emergency numbers , flashlight with working batteries and whistle near bed n Mattress height is appropriate for the individual and has a firm edge to support getting in / out of bed
BATHROOM check for : n Bathroom / shower accessible to provide a safe environment including ability to accommodate assistive devices such as a wheelchair , cane and / or walker n Non-skid strips , decals , rubber mats in tub / shower n Grab bars secure and near toilet / tub / shower - never grab towel bars for support n Tub / shower seat with hand held shower wand available , elevated toilet seat for easy access
GENERAL check for : n Medications current , clearly marked with instructions and stored safely , sharps container available n Emergency plan in place , first aid-kit available with fresh supplies , emergency response necklace used n Locate all phones including portable and list of emergency numbers n Adequate lighting to accommodate limited vision - locate light switches , lamps , flashlights , nightlights and if accessible from the bed , kitchen , room entryways , stairways and hallways n Flooring including carpet , rugs and mats to have a non-slip surface and secured with carpet tape n Medical equipment stored safely with all cords such as oxygen tubing tucked away n Locate fire extinguishers , smoke / carbon monoxide detectors , electrical outlets and in good condition n Additional appliances such as electrical heaters , blankets and fans in good working condition with automatic shut off n Water faucets clearly marked “ hot / cold ” and main controls for water temperature adjusted to prevent scalding n Check water temperature before entering tub / shower n Smoking precautions followed such as safe cigarette disposal and no smoking during oxygen usage n Pets and how they are handled ; where they sleep , eat and go outside n Regular home maintenance such as furnace and fireplace inspected yearly
Precautions Against Blood-Borne Viruses Treat all blood as if it were contaminated with blood-borne viruses . Do not use bare hands to stop bleeding ; always use a protective barrier ; always wash exposed skin areas with hot water and soap after treating a victim . It is recommended that the following equipment be included in all first-aid kits and be used when rendering first-aid : n Latex gloves , to be used when stopping bleeding or dressing wounds n A mouth barrier device for rendering rescue breathing or CPR n Plastic goggles or other eye protection , to prevent victim ’ s blood from getting into rescuer ’ s eyes n Antiseptic , for sterilizing or cleaning exposed skin area , particularly if there is no soap and water available
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